Oh, Mr. Heineken, you do spoil us. This is one classy joint. The bar baby of the beer mogul, this is where he used to hang out with his mates and drink a lot more than just Heineken. It’s the sort of place you’ll want to be wearing long gloves and smoking French cigarettes while a man in a fedora whispers dangerous tales to you. Imagination in check, BarChick rolled in with a hangover and tired feet but was in safe hands because the bartenders in here have a reputation for serving up the best Bloody Mary in town. RSVP yes please.

There are green leather banquettes, lots of dark wood, a polished gold bar and photos on the wall of Mr. Heineken himself (aka Freddy) entertaining his illustrious guests. Wander past the Bechstein piano to the whisper of jazz, past Freddy’s Fumoir where suits do business over freshly cut cigars and into the recently revamped Hotel De L’Europe to check out the lobby. Those are some glitzy chandeliers.

Anyway, the bartenders here are awesome in that efficient and impeccable way. The Basil Gimlet made BarChick want to drink only that forever. They serve French classics too if you’re hungry – the likes of steak tartare and gazpacho.

Located opposite the flower market looking over the canal, treat yourself to a classy cocktail stop mid sightseeing and then inevitably get stuck for the rest of the day.

Photo credit: Tyler Wetherall